Tanzania, June 30 -- Dar es Salaam. While shortages of teachers and assistive devices have been identified among the challenges hampering inclusive education, a government study has also implicated special education officers and head teachers as part of the problem.

An investigation by The Citizen's sister publication, Mwananchi, in selected schools in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region and Kilombero District in Morogoro Region has found that children with special needs face numerous challenges that prevent them from accessing education on an equal basis.

Among these are a lack of assistive devices such as mobility aids, physiotherapy equipment, Braille books and hearing devices, all of which continue to hinder the delivery of inclusive ed...